The former President of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), Bishop Dr. Kortu K. Brown, has urged faith leaders across Africa to unite and lead a continent-wide campaign to eradicate the barbaric practices of ritualistic killings and human sacrifices that continue to plague parts of the continent. Speaking on Friday, October 24, at the 2025 Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking: A United Front Against Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice—organized by the Sudreau Global Justice Institute of Pepperdine University (USA) and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice—Bishop Brown said the time has come for religious institutions to play a more direct role in ending ritual-related crimes.
Bishop Brown made the call during the colloquium’s fourth session, which focused on the role of faith leaders and civil society in combating ritual abuse and sacrifice. The discussions explored the spiritual and cultural dimensions of the practice, including the influence of mysticism and the participation of traditional healers, witch doctors, and diviners. “This is a serious fight,” Bishop Brown declared. “It is as old as Africa itself. If we must address it effectively, we must organize and mobilize faith leaders across the continent—regionally, nationally, and locally to lead campaigns that will end ritualistic killings and human sacrifice in Africa.” He emphasized that both the Bible and the Quran condemn acts of evil, especially the shedding of innocent blood. Citing Proverbs 31:8–9, he reminded faith leaders of their moral duty to “speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves and defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
When asked why ritual killings and human sacrifices persist even in countries dominated by Christianity and Islam, Bishop Brown pointed to weak faith and cultural entrenchment. He noted that many followers lack deep spiritual conviction and still adhere to traditional beliefs that promote ritual acts as a means to gain fortune, fertility, victory, or favor. “One of the cultural elements fueling ritual abuse is the belief that it brings benefits good harvest, children, success, or political power,” he explained. “In Liberia, every election season is marred by reports of missing persons and ritual killings. People want power, but they want to use the blood of others’ children to get it. This is wrong.” Bishop Brown, who led a national campaign in Liberia four years ago against ritual killings and mysterious disappearances, called on faith leaders to take the front line in combating these practices.
He urged them to “sensitize communities, challenge harmful traditions, support victims, and collaborate with governments and civil society to end the menace.” In closing, the colloquium’s organizers, including Prof. Cameron McCollum, Executive Director of the Sudreau Global Justice Institute, and Hon. Lawal Pedro (SAN, FCIArb), Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, expressed optimism that the gathering would serve as a turning point in Africa’s collective effort to end ritual abuse, human sacrifice, and human trafficking. They described the 2025 Africa Colloquium as a milestone in bringing together faith leaders, policymakers, advocates, and practitioners to develop new strategies for confronting one of the continent’s most disturbing human rights challenges.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
